Adams, what’s the score? Adams, Adams what’s the score?

Albion boss Micky was getting it in the neck from a hostile Vetch Field crowd who recalled his stint as their short-lived manager.

The rain was coming down in torrents. It would turn to thick snow on the long drive home up the M4.

Jamie Campbell was in disgrace having been sent-off for two almost identical fouls within a minute of each other midway through the first half.

Young Shaun Wilkinson was trying to offer the away contingent some hope for the future on his debut.

And Italian striker Lorenzo Pinamonte was wondering what on earth he had let himself for in his first outing for the club.

The struggling Seagulls were being swept to a 2-0 defeat in the fourth tier by promotion-headed Swansea as the sides met for the final time in the last Millennium.

Albion have been playing catch-up ever since. Until now.

But, as they prepare to meet again in more luxurious surroundings, a former favourite of both fanbases has told how he suggested Albion should be following the Swansea model to the top.

And how happy he is to see both in the Premier League with stadia and training grounds to match.

The Argus:

Micky Adams looks on at the Vetch in 1999

Albion complete the circle today with their first top-flight trip to Swansea since 1983.

They have visited in all three lower divisions since then, as well as the Football League Trophy and League Cup.

Swansea left Albion behind in that 1999-2000 season and did so again eight years later when they celebrated the League One title at Withdean.

But Andrea Orlandi, now chasing promotion himself in Italy with Novara in Serie B, has highlighted the similarities of both clubs and recalled how he compared them during his days at the Amex.

Orlandi told The Argus: “Swansea and Brighton have similar stories really.

“When I arrived at Swansea our coach Roberto Martinez changed the philosophy of the club.

“We started playing 4-3-3, we brought in some European players from Holland and Spain to change the way of playing.

“I think Swansea was recognised all over the UK.

“We used to play attractive football, pass the ball from the back, not kick it long and that was our strength because we didn’t have big players like other teams.

“We got to the Premier League without killing the budget of the club.

“We started off quite similar under Gus Poyet at Brighton.

“I think the season I was there with Gus we played some amazing football.

The Argus:

“We were probably the best team in the league and we were unlucky not to go up.

“It was a big shame for me because it would have been a dream.

“We tried to keep it the same way with Oscar Garcia and we managed to do well again even though the team, for me, was a little bit weaker.

“And, obviously, in the play-offs, Derby were better than us.

“Teams change and Swansea have had many different managers and now play slightly differently. Brighton the same with Chris Hughton.

“They now play more direct but they still keep this magic in the team with players like Solly (March), (Anthony) Knockaert, Bruno.

“Bruno can build the game really well from his position.

“Dunky (Lewis Dunk) has a lot of quality as well – and Dale Stephens.

“They have a lot of players who can play good football.

“The clubs have grown massively. At Swansea, we didn’t have a training ground. Now they have two.

“Brighton have one of the best training grounds in Europe, I would say.

“I played five years for Swansea and only two for Brighton.

“But Brighton for me has a special place in my heart because my daughter Emma was born there.

“Also, because what I experienced at Brighton, playing with true friends by my side and with the fans, was unbelievable.

“I wouldn’t say that I didn’t feel that at Swansea but it was different at Brighton.

“I still have friends at Swansea – all the physios and backroom staff. Angel Rangel is still there and Leon Britton and that’s it really because they have changed a lot of players.

“At Brighton, I’ve got Bruno, Dunky, Solly – but I only really speak to Bruno of the players I played with there.”

Orlandi now operates in a deep-lying midfield role and is preparing for derby day against Pro Vercelli but he will keep an eye on events at the Liberty Stadium.

He said: “Brighton started a little bit shaky but now they are doing really well.

“In the last few seasons, Swansea have been struggling but somehow they have always managed to stay in the Premier League, which is a great achievement. I won’t say what result I want!

“But I just want to see both stay in the Premier League because I’m always proud to say I played for both Swansea and Brighton.

The comparison between Swans and Seagulls en route to the Premier League was an easy one to make, especially if you had been part of both fairytales.

Orlandi said: “I always thought Brighton were trying to follow Swansea’s example.

“I think I said it in interviews when I was at Brighton. That’s normal because Brighton started signing players from Spain who were unknown to most of the fans.

“I think we all helped make Brighton a better team and a better club, with the help of Gus and Oscar – and also Sami Hyypia.

“Even though Sami wasn’t successful, I think he had a great idea of football.

“It didn’t work at Brighton probably because they lost some big and key players.

“If I had stayed, and David Lopez and others, it might have been different with Hyypia there.

“Those are my thoughts. I don’t know if people think the same.

“I never really heard people say ‘We want to be like Swansea’ but I honestly think as a club that Brighton were following in Swansea’s steps.”